Call China Rail Travel Limited by calling 011 (+86) 10 65266721 or visit their Web site (see Resources below).
Buy tickets at your departure station. Several stations have special offices for foreigners. Be aware that you can only buy tickets that leave from that station.
Book a Hard Seat ticket if you're going on a short trip and you want the cheapest price. Frequented by locals, this class is often overcrowded, and you might not get a seat.
Book a Soft Seat ticket for travel between cities. These seats are more comfortable than Hard Seats and are still affordable.
Book a Hard Sleeper seat for more space. There are usually six bunks to a compartment and no door. This class is usually very noisy.
Book a Soft Sleeper for the most comfort. There are four bunks per compartment-each with bedding-and there is a door. Ticket holders also enjoy priority boarding and a separate lounge in the station.
Bring a Chinese phrase book. English is rarely spoken and there are few English signs.
Pack light. There is limited space for baggage on trains, and you will have to carry everything up the staircases in the train stations.
Consider packing your own food. Choices are limited on the trains, even in restaurant cars.
